NICOLAS ANELKA has two targets for his West Brom career — to get them into Europe and then quit playing. The French striker, 34, joined his 11th club yesterday and vowed to complete a glorious two-year schedule. Anelka, who has starred for amongst others Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Chelsea and Juventus, said: “I hope everything will be perfect. I hope we will be successful this year and will reach Europe. “We will also try to do the same in the cup competitions. “I think I will finish here in England, I’m happy here. I also hope it will be with this club because I think this is the right one for me.” The Paris-born star spent nine months alongside Albion boss Steve Clarke at Chelsea and bagged 38 league goals in a successful spell four-year spell that included winning the Champions League in 2012. Anelka admits the Scot knows how to get the best out of him — and Albion — and that is why he turned down other offers to return to the Premier League teams. The double Champions League winner said: “When I spoke with the head coach he said he wanted to do better than last year. That’s why I am here. “Last year we finished eighth but we will try to do even better. “I’m 34 years old now and I want to enjoy my football. “I know the club and I know the head coach, which was very important for me. “He knows me and I know him. Importantly, he knows how to use me on the pitch, which is crucial later on in your career. “I know he likes to play football and that’s why I signed here. I’ve always liked West Brom. “I scored my last-ever goal for Chelsea against Albion and also twice in one game against them. I have a lot of good memories from playing against West Brom — now I have to do my best to score FOR them. “The team plays good football and I know I will be able to play my game here. “Hopefully, I will be able to help the team win more games, although I don’t know which position I will play. But as long as I’m playing and enjoying my football I’m happy.” Anelka, who has joined on a deal worth around £50,000-a-week — a record for the Baggies — was once dubbed Le Sulk for his apparent low-key attitude on the pitch. But his team-mates have always praised him and he insists he is hoping to become part of the Hawthorns family. Anelka, who will wear his favourite No 39 shirt for the Baggies, added: “I know it’s a big club and a family club. “The Hawthorns has a good atmosphere, like many of the Premier League stadiums. “The facilities at the training ground are also amazing and show the ambition they have. “I’m sure I will enjoy my training and, hopefully, that will extend to what I do inside the stadium.” Anelka was a free agent after ending his loan spell with Serie A giants Juventus at the end of last season. That followed a lucrative — but brief — spell with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua. He won league and FA Cup doubles with Arsenal and Chelsea and national titles with Fenerbahce in Turkey and Juve. Anelka also helped Real win the Champions League in 2000, scoring in both legs of the semi-final against Bayern Munich and starting in the final. In the same year he also lifted the European Championship trophy with France. But after a series of disagreements he retired from international football in 2010 after winning 69 caps and scoring 14 goals.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Jul 2013 23:15:37 +0000
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